Foreign tourist arrivals in Mustang increase by 50 percent

MUSTANG, April 25: The arrival of foreign tourists in Mustang has surged significantly. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office in Jomsom reports that the number of foreign tourists visiting Mustang in 2081 BS increased by around 50 percent compared to 2080 BS.

In 2080 BS, a total of 96,645 foreign tourists visited Mustang, while in 2081 BS, the number jumped by 49.76 percent to reach 144,745, according to Rajesh Prasad Gupta, head of the ACAP Jomsom office. ACAP also reports a 53.71 percent increase in arrivals from SAARC countries compared to the previous year.

According to the office, 117,614 tourists from SAARC countries and 27,131 tourists from other countries visited Mustang last year. The office reported the following number of foreign tourist arrivals in Mustang by month in 2081 BS: 20,809 in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), 28,856 in Jestha (mid-May to mid-June), 8,187 in Ashar (mid-June to mid-July), 3,558 in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August), 6,679 in Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September), 13,216 in Ashwin (mid-September to mid-October), 14,578 in Kartik (mid-October to mid-November), and 7,553 in Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December). Additionally, 6,975 tourists visited in Poush (mid-December to mid-January), 3,517 in Magh (mid-January to mid-February), 9,326 in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), and 21,491 in Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April). According to the office, tourists from 72 countries visited Mustang last year.

Rajesh Prasad Gupta, the office head, mentioned that 80 percent of the tourists from SAARC countries are Indian, and they primarily visit to pay homage at Muktinath.

In 2080 BS, ACAP Jomsom reported that 96,645 foreign tourists visited Mustang, with 76,516 from SAARC countries and 20,129 from other countries.

ACAP has noted a significant increase in both domestic and international tourists visiting Mustang in recent years, due to the improved accessibility of the national pride road (Beni-Jomsom-Korla). The office revealed that one-quarter of the foreign tourists arriving in Mustang use the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Additionally, the number of tourists entering Mustang from Besi Sahar in Lamjung, through Manang, has also risen.

Tourists visit Mustang to enjoy the scenic views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains, as well as the region's natural beauty and biodiversity. They are also attracted to the Kaligandaki river's coastal area, the region's unique geography, and its natural wonders. The area's monasteries, manes, chortens, and stupas are major attractions for visitors.

Upper Mustang boasts historical tourist sites such as the Mustang King's historic palace, Loghekar (house) Monastery, Choser Cave, Chiusi Cave, Luri Monastery, and the Damodarkund religious site. Additionally, famous religious destinations like Muktinath, Kagbeni Dham, Dhumba Tal, the apple capital and cultural village Marpha, Gurusangbo Cave, Titi Tal, and Sekung Tal attract increasing numbers of tourists to Mustang.